A Quick Overview Of Acupressure
Acupressure is a wonderful tool that can assist the body in its own natural ability to heal. It’s very simple and can be used by anyone to alleviate wide range of medical conditions. It shares the same points, known as acupoints, with acupuncture, but instead of needles, uses gentle yet deep finger pressure.
Acupressure has been in use for more than 5000 years. It’s a part of traditional Chinese medicine and is most widespread in Asian regions.
Although most prevalently used in Asian countries, the earliest archaeological evidence of acupressure use wasn’t found in Asia, but in Europe. Otzi, a 5300-year-old mummy found in an alpine glacier in 1991, had tattoos on his body that correspond to acu-points.
It is believed that illness and disease result when the qi energy is blocked, out of balance or weak. This energy, kind of like a life force of all living beings, flows in the body through a series of channels called meridians. By stimulating the acupressure points that are located along this energy pathways, qi becomes unblocked allowing the body to utilize its own healing abilities.
Acupressure is most commonly used for pain management, but it can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, both physical and mental. These include arthritis, colds, flu, asthma, headaches, back pain, hypertension, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, allergies, irritable bowel, colitis, constipation, ulcers, depression, insomnia, urinary problems, and skin problems just to name a few.
It is applied using fingers, thumbs, palms or elbows. It’s completely noninvasive and can be worked on bare skin or through clothing.
How safe is acupressure? Because it doesn’t involve any invasive techniques, it’s very safe. You should know, however, that there are some circumstances when it should not be used – if you have a heart condition, if the pressure point is located under a mole, abrasion, bruise, cut, or any other break in the skin. If you’re pregnant, use caution and take a look at maternity acupressure.